At the OECD’s High-Level Policy Forum, participants and expert speakers from a range of backgrounds will explore how rapidly changing economic and social environments present both challenges and opportunities for the design and implementation of social policy – a key component of the OECD’s Inclusive Growth Initiative.

The opening plenary will focus on current and future challenges for social policy and how to promote citizens' engagement with policymakers. The changing world of work has made many people far less economically secure, and there is a growing gap between "haves" and "have nots". Social and employment policies need to be urgently modernised to respond to these changes. At the same time, open means of communicating with policymakers allows more and more people to voice their concerns. To what extent are governments engaging with citizens in the design of social policies? How can governments better protect people from the risks that matter most to them today and tomorrow? How can lessons from OECD countries inform the design of social protection measures in the new world of work, in order to promote truly inclusive growth?

Morning Parallel Breakout Sessions: Ensuring Social Protection for All

Breakout Session 1 - For One or for All? Collective vs. Individual Responsibilities in Social Protection

Countries are increasingly debating more individualised forms of social protection, such as individual activity accounts, life-cycle and training accounts, and pension accounts. This raises questions about the right balance between individuals saving for the future and redistribution across society. What are the implications of more individualised solutions, how can redistributive elements be included, and how can such strategies be made to work for all workers and citizens? The discussion will consider social insurance solutions, funded and non-financial defined-contribution schemes, and universal social programmes such as basic income and universal pensions

Ms. Lena Hipp, Head of Work and Care Unit, WZB Berlin Social Science Center, Germany [@WZB_Berlin]

Breakout Session 2 - Leaving no one Behind: Targeting Gaps in Social Protection

Some types of jobs and some groups of workers are systematically excluded (intentionally and unintentionally) from comprehensive social protection. How can countries close existing coverage gaps along occupational categories and types of employment contracts? How can a whole-of-government approach to social policy be made operational? What role can behavioural insights play to increase the reach and efficiency of social programmes? Which approaches can be used to speed up the formalisation of the workforce, and what types of social policies promote inclusive growth and help underserved populations at different stages of economic development?

Breakout Session 3 - "There's an App for that": New Tools for Social Policy

Modern technology has an important role to play in the design and delivery of social programmes and services. Participants will share experiences in how new technology is changing the design, targeting, delivery, and evaluation of key social programmes, with a focus on efficient and inclusive service delivery to groups with complex challenges. Modern service delivery methods in emerging economies and OECD countries will be discussed to help the exchange of best practice.

Ms Inge Bernaerts, Head of Cabinet of Commissioner Thyssen, European Commission

Moderator: Ms. Ronnie Goldberg, Senior Counsel, United States Council for International Business [@USCIB]

Breakout Session 4 - Impact through Partnerships: Social Innovation in the 21st Century

Complex social and economic challenges require policymakers to collaborate with other sectors of society. Tools and approaches such as social finance and social enterprise can foster investment in people’s capacities and sustainable communities. This session’s stakeholder dialogue will focus on best practices in delivering innovative and impactful interventions through partnerships that leverage the financial and knowledge resources of the public, private and community sectors.